August 16, 2018 – On 2nd June 1953, the attention of millions of people worldwide was on Westminster Abbey for the Coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II following the death of her father, King George VI just over a year earlier. To commemorate this historic event, Pobjoy Mint has released a very special silver coin on behalf of the Government of the British Virgin Islands which combines two technical special effects. The portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is struck in amazing Ultra High Relief while the portrait of His Majesty King George VI appears incused on the coin.
British Virgin Islands / 10 Dollars / silver .999 / 62.21 g / 38.60 mm / Mintage: 650.
The Coronation of Her Majesty was held at Westminster Abbey, which has been the setting for every Coronation since 1066. The responsibility for organizing the Coronation of a monarch belongs to the current Earl Marshal, a position which has been undertaken by the Duke of Norfolk since 1386. The Queen was crowned in St Edward’s Chair, made in 1300 for Edward I and used at every Coronation since that time. St Edward’s Crown, made in 1661, was placed on the head of Her Majesty during the Coronation service.
The coin features a portrait of His Majesty King George VI taken from one of the last coins of his reign on the right with a portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II taken from one of the first coins of her reign on the left. St Edwards Crown, which is part of the Crown Jewels, is also incorporated into the design along with contoured lines representing the bond between Her Majesty and her father.
The coin will also be available in Unc. Cupro Nickel with the portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in normal relief and the portrait of His Majesty King George VI slightly incused.
The Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II was the first crowning ceremony ever to be televised. Several versions are available on YouTube.
To find out more about this coin, check out Pobjoy’s website.
In 2015, Queen Elizabeth II became the world’s longest-reigning monarch. The same year, Pobjoy Mint celebrated its 50th anniversary. To learn more about the interesting history of this mint we recommend watching this film on YouTube.